and a gentle version of Fleetwood Blood and Candle Smoke marks of the contenders would have to be Mac’s “Everywhere.” Her four a musical departure for Russell. “American River,” which paints originals are very good, and include Inspired by the soundtrack to I’m evocative pictures and scenes of the wistful “Bridge,” - Not There, the Todd Haynes mosaic majesty and power and the changing influenced “Rather Go,” the folky film on Dylan, Russell noted that nature of human interaction with “Saddest Sound,” and the upbeat, many of the standout songs by the rivers. Calling the rivers out story-song “Long Before.” the young, upcoming artists were by name, Russell notes that many 8 More finds Roche writing or backed by the group Calexico (Joey have been named after Indians, Burns, Tom Covertino, Jacob Valen- co-writing six tracks and turning “our guilt to assuage.” He goes zuela) working out of Wave Lab in in a surprisingly neat rendition of on to describe casinos, pollution, Tucson. It to this group and Springsteen’s “Hungry Heart” that abandoned farmland, and bank- studio that Russell turned to find would not sound out of place on rupt towns. It’s both love song and a contemporary spark for his new one of her mother’s . There lament, and it would be very effec- songs. Other musicians contrib- is also a splendid cover of the Crash tive at a Riverkeepers fundraiser uting to the sound are Gretchen Test Dummies’ “Superman.” Her or festival. Another contender for Peters, with her gorgeous harmo- own “Snare Drum” shows some power track is “Guadalupe,” which nies; Barry Walsh on keyboards; the Russell calls “probably my favorite nice Lori McKenna influence and Oshogbo Orphan Choir; Nick Luka won the Independent Music Award song I’ve ever written.” Crafted dies (“Peace,” “Love Won’t Let Me on steel guitar; Marco Rosano on with a delicate hand and impeccable Gaucho for best folk/singer-songwriter saxophone; Chris Gambelucca on Deep Night Wait”), much of this is perfect for category. “Chicago” has a nice harmonies, the song is a subtle and bass; Winston Watson on drums; touching tour de force of introspec- Nichols Patrick self-released (2009) late night chillin.’ Includes a bonus electric-pop edge, “Spring Song” video, “The Making of Hammond’ and David Henry on cello. Co- tion, and the source of the Catherine MacLellan - Gaucho is Spanish for an Argen- perfectly showcases her wistful Eggs,” pun intended. producer Craig Schumacher does title. “Crosses of San Carlos” is midnight seems dark tine cowboy, though old, graying singing with a very beautiful double duty on organ. also a “wow” song with its high rockers still remember it as being When he isn’t slinging guitar with melody, and “Poison” bears much When you listen to all three of and lonesome cowboy whoops and the title of Steely Dan’s 1980 block- the Crawdaddys, a band he co- of her father’s understated, cynical MacLellan’s recordings — chrono- its stark drum finish. “The Most buster release. Actually it’s more fronts with Greff, Chris Huntington brilliance. Though both of these logically, Church Bell Blues comes Dangerous Woman in America” is than that — it’s also a derivative of manages various musical acts, albums serve as extended demos, between Midnight and Water — the outlaw-on-the-run tale, tawdry the Gypsy/Romany word meaning one of which is the Higher Hands. listeners can eagerly anticipate there is almost a progression from Though many across the country and sad, yet a larger statement about dark to light in atmosphere. Not that “non-Gypsy man,” which totally Varshavsky Peter 2008 © hearing a fully produced project forces that lay us on a path to either fits here. Now, add the non-Gypsy play the funky soul card, the from her. MacLellan leans in either direction Gaucho - tea for two deuces Annapolis-based aggregation does it destiny or choice. — it seems, in keeping with the ensemble Gaucho, purveyors of Bay — Lahri Bond (Leverett, MA) Area Gypsy jazz, to the list of defini- Various artists reply, “Contestactión a Mujer distinctively. They combine tasteful, Russell writes a big song, and these conversational style of her work, bouncy rap with 70s funk and soul are among his very best. If you more a progression informed by tions. The group’s third disc shows Ballads & Corridos (1949-1975) Paseada,” recorded with her sister, jazz, in essence a delightful blending already know his work, this album what she’s thinking about, what she’s why it is a worthy ambassador of Arhoolie CD 367 (2009) Maria, as Las Hermanas Mendoza. the growing stateside movement: Though knowledge of Spanish is of new and old school. They pop Blood and Candle Smoke is a must. If he is new to you, you learning, and what parts of that she The borderlands between San chugging rhythms, fingers-dancing- helpful, transcriptions and transla- and sizzle with airtight horns and Shout! Factory 826663-11471 (2009) are in for a revelation. Russell is chooses to put into song. She clearly Antonio, Texas, and Monterrey, across-the-frets guitar solos, and tions of all of corridos are included percussion and have a tendency to With a four-decade career and certainly one of the best songwriters has the tools to take her music in Mexico, have long echoed with artful guitar-accordion interaction. on the CD. jam out intelligently without being more than 20 albums, it is surely this country has produced. whatever direction she desires; it’ll musical storytelling. The golden era Members use horns (clarinet, sax, self-indulgent, as evidenced by the a mystery why Tom Russell hasn’t — Colleen Moore (Baltimore, MD) be interesting to follow. of the region’s narrative balladry — Craig Harris (Chicopee, MA) baritone sax), though sparingly, delightful closing track, “Side of the achieved a massive following. For MacLellan is the daughter of the is explored by the 22 tracks that thus giving them a versatile three- Road.” The party starts with them, those who have discovered him, late Gene MacLellan, who wrote comprise Ballads & Corridos: 1949- Kraig Greff and it ends with them. Catherine pronged attack that’s predicated on there is no turning back. Russell is Blowfish “Snowbird,” a lasting hit for Anne 1975. Sung in Spanish, accompani- teamwork. Hammond’ Eggs — Dan Williging (Denver, CO) a cult hero with devoted acolytes MacLellan Murray. She is from Prince Edward ment is provided by accordion and Tonal Vision (2008) Tom Russell - Water in the Ground Island in Atlantic Canada and is Soft and breezy moodscapes and — a good enough place to be, but the most dangerous whoops in America the 12-string bass-like bajo sexton High Romance Music/True North better known in her native Canada carefree, sauntering compositions The Higher Hands less than he deserves. alternating between waltz-time and Lucy Wainwright TND 528 (2009), 2-CD than beyond its borders as yet. blossom into maximum beauty polkas. Songs cover a wide range: Grab Hold Roche Something of a songwriters’ song- The opening track, “East of Wood- — Kerry Dexter (Tallahassee, FL) (“Two Deuces”). “Dark Eyes” revs We hear about early 20th-century self-released (2008) 8 Songs writer, his songs have been covered stock, West of Vietnam,” is an auto- Catherine up slowly, then accelerates into characters such as Mexican revo- When he’s not serenading cows self-released (2007) by Johnny Cash, Iris DeMent, Nanci biographical reflection of his time MacLellan a near frenzy. Though they cover lutionary Pedro Zamora and Arturo in Texas with his accordion (as Griffith, Guy Clark, and Dave Van working in Nigeria. The African Church Bell Blues Klezmer Juice vintage swing (“Tea for Two”) Garza Trevino, a small-time gang- depicted in Dirty Linen #131), the Lucy Wainwright Ronk, among many, many others. setting is backed with a High Romance Music/True North 2 and New Orleans gutbucket jazz ster who died in a car crash; Belen Crawdaddys’ Kraig Greff pursues Roche Russell has perhaps been typecast as foundation to striking effect. In TND 502 (2008) ARC Music EUCD 2209 (2009) (“Darktown Strutter’s Ball,” “St. Galindo, who murders her husband other endeavors such as this 8 More a Western Americana artist, but he theory, it shouldn’t work, but it Catherine MacLellan has been Klezmer Juice may be a bit of a Louis Blues”), they avoid the after three days of marriage; and two Hammond B-3 jazz affair. Unlike self-released (2008) is no more just that than Springsteen does, brilliantly. “Criminology” is gaining quite a bit of notice in her misnomer for this group. The group omnipresent selections commonly accounts of a murder by gunslingers a lot of Hammond platters these Singer/songwriter Lucy Wainwright is merely the voice of or also set in Africa, but to a reggae native Canada in the last several does indeed play klezmer, but it’s performed by other ensembles. hired by a wealthy landowner. The days, this one refuses to go straight Roche is the daughter of Suzzy Leonard Cohen represents only the beat. Russell sings this one in a years, drawing comparisons to ultimately fabulous festive music Instead, another set of tunes, balladeers reach beyond the region for the funky party line jugular. Roche (the Roches) and Loudon Canadian experience. The literary higher register, sounding quite fellow Canadian musician Joni of wide appeal. The group’s lineup “Bossa Dorado,” “Noto Swing,” with songs about Martin Luther Instead, it’s a tasty modern jazz Wainwright III. Naturally, Roche is allusions fly so fast that while you unlike himself. “Nina Simone” is a Mitchell, among others. Though has undergone some changes since and “Valse a Bambula” are, respec- King, Patty Hearst, the 1960 execu- affair ranging anywhere from intro- quite a good musician and singer, absorb and appreciate one, you’re melancholy and memorable tribute MacLellan’s gentle voice is a bit its Grammy-nominated debut. tively, from contemporary French tion of convicted kidnapper Caryl spective (“Song for a Little Person”) and these two self-released, short likely to miss the next three. It’s that marks a milestone of self- more like that of Caroline Herring Gustavo Bulgach, a stupendous Gypsy jazz stalwarts Dorado Chessman, and three tunes inspired and spiritual (“Were You There”) CDs (each is around a half hour) not essential for listeners to be well discovery. A simple, Spanish guitar or Tish Hinojosa than Mitchell’s clarinet player, is still the musical Schmidt, Lulu Reinhardt, and by the assassination of John F. to sleek (“Bytely & Ginger”) and showcase her talents as a songwriter read, but it does make for a richer opens the piece, which transforms dramatic range, many of her song director, and his cohorts include a Fappy Laffertain. Add the fact that Kennedy. An interesting contrast celebratory (“On Broadway”). and interpreter of others’ mate- experience as Russell connects his effortlessly and unexpectedly into a share Mitchell’s questioning, drummer, a bassist, a guitarist, and most of this disc was recorded live, is shown by “Mujer Paseador,” “My Gostona” practically feels rial. 8 Songs features lovely covers tales to universal human themes. waltz, and this little, intimate song questing spirit. That’s especially an arranger/multi-instrumentalist and it’s apparent why the members written by Daniel Garces after his like a Brazilian parade with its of the traditional “Wild Mountain His songs are panoramic novels, grows in impact and importance as true of her first recording, Dark named Dan Weinstein, whose tool of Gaucho are on top of their game. breakup with Juanita Mendoza and percussive barrage of composer/ Thyme,” and “B. Allen” (“Barbara packed with references of every it progresses. Dream Midnight, which is included bag includes violin, viola, cornet, Highly recommended. recorded with his group, Los Tres drummer Stanley Swan. But with Allen”), as well as Richard Shin- variety, with a laser target on the It’s hard to pick a money track; with as a bonus CD with her most recent trombone, and sousaphone. While — Dan Willging (Denver, CO) Reyes, and Mendoza’s scorching its meandering moods and melo- dell’s seminal “Next Best Western” American experience. Russell, they’re all big songs. One release, Water in the Ground. most of the selections are tradi-

40 January/February ’10 #145 Dirty Linen 41 tional, Bulgach also came up with a Polka Chicks. The Hutto, Jimmy Dawkins, Aaron MacInnes was invited to prepare deist vocal chant seamlessly fuse few originals, including “Librescu’s g r o u p ’s m o t t o Moore, Tail Dragger, Little Arthur music for a television documentary both shores of the Middle Passage, Tango,” a tribute to Liviu Librescu, seems to be “a gal Duncan, and many, many more. about Mingulay and its people. returning the slave-trading and the professor (and ex-Holocaust who doesn’t know The CD and DVD both feature such Some of that is here, rearranged, gruesomely apocalyptic (if plain- survivor) who died to save the lives how to polka won’t Delmark stalwarts as Zora Young added to, and remixed, and there is spoken) Christian hymn’s twisted of some students during the Virginia get married,” and, (“Till the Fat Lady Sings”), Tail also new music. Traditional music reverence back across the Atlantic Tech massacre in April 2007. judging from this, Dragger (“Tend to Your Business” includes a hymn that was a favorite Ocean to its roots. Leandro Saint- Although Klezmer Juice is capable these ladies should and “My Woman Is Gone”), Lurie of MacInnes’ great-grandmother, a Hill’s reeds and Roman Diaz’s batá of evoking grace and beauty on such g e t p l e n t y o f Bell (“Don’t You Lie to Me”), Little song from a 17th-century female drums, congas, cajón, and choral melodies as “Erev Shel Shoshanim” offers. The group Arthur Duncan (“Pretty Girls Every- bard from the island, a song of fairy work clarify the spiritual direction and its followup “Happy Nigun” comprises Teija where”), Eddie Shaw (“For You My legend, several waulking songs, after raising all the proper questions (the latter is one of two tracks that Niku on accordion, Love” and “Sun Is Shining”), Aaron and songs of history and of life in a listener attentive to the vision feature ex-member Mike Bolger Suvi Oskala on Moore (“Wading in Deep Water”), on the sea. The instrumental title inherent in this traditional New on accordion), the group is also fiddle, and Kukka and Jimmy Johnson (“Cold, Cold track was composed by MacInnes. England churchman’s psalm. Else- capable of playing exhilarating Lehto on fiddle and Feelings” and “You Don’t Know The singing, playing, and song where, Harlem Renaissance poet mandolin, with all Hill Ron tunes. Two such examples are also What Love Is”). It was recorded selection create a graceful and Langston Hughes’ “Night: Four three singing. The the most recognizable. “Miserlu” and filmed at Buddy Guy’s Legends thoughtful project, illuminating Little Johnny England - spooky chicken for dinner Songs” is read by drummer Marque starts off with guitarist Ken Rosser Tsvetkov Dima music consists of lives and landscapes in ways Gilmore while Sosa’s music and the club in Chicago on March 7, 2008. lead and slide guitar and his mellow in Florida in the early 50s when playing the electric sitar, and the Halogeeni - the warmth of the sum lots of polka (of that connect them with our lives sextet overlay delicately graceful The DVD has five bonus tracks, Simon Nicolesque baritone make he and his bandmates were forced tune slowly builds up momentum, course!), played in today. Michael McGoldrick on melodic lines that color in varia- along with commentary from him an apt frontman for the group. to wear decorative cowboy outfits the sitar inserting itself into the contrast. The music is played in a Finnish style along with waltzes, flute, Christine Hanson on cello, tions on the piano’s pearly prelude. Koester himself. The two discs also prominently during their shows. Judging by his melody once again later until the a lighthearted style with a certain mazurkas, and a schottis thrown in Brian McAlpine on keyboards, and Eriksen’s vocal aches with poet — T.J. McGrath (Woodbridge, CT) feature Wright’s interpretations of style of entertaining and his quick music switches to Latin rhythms sense of warmth that draws you for good measure, along with five Flora MacNeil on backing vocals Hughes’ solitude-spanning split the songs of folkie Pete Scrowther, temper, “Billy the Kid” seemed to toward the end of its seven minutes. in. Much more than the sum of its songs, mostly written by Lehto. The are among those who support quatrains, meditating on aging and including “Maybe” (also co-written fit him like a glove. The next track is an equally memo- parts, and most enjoyable because music is bright and bouncy and lots Maggie MacInnes MacInnes on the project. regeneration. Sosa’s own Afro- with Turner), which leads off a rable rendition of “Hava Nagila” of its simplicity. of fun. A recording that proves that A Fàgail Mhiughalaigh — Kerry Dexter (Tallahassee, FL) — T.J. McGrath (Woodbridge, CT) Cuban recitative on “Ancestors” convoluted medley on the second that features Rossiter’s electric Another group that relies on Finnish chicks really can polka. Marram Music MARCD05 (2009) — with voices illuminating like disc recorded live at the 2000 guitar slashing away discreetly in simplicity for its charm is the kantele All four recordings come with fireflies in the stereo sound spec- Family, faith, fishing, and the sea Little Johnny Cropredy Festival. Omar Sosa the background. As klezmer groups band Brelo from the village of Lauk- English liner notes, and the bands’ — those were the strongest ties England Across the Divide trum and later rising and falling go, this one’s up there with the koski in southern Finland. Its eight — Michael Parrish (San Jose, CA) websites have English, as well. that kept the community of people 10 Years On... (10 Years in the Half-Note 4538 (2009) in counterpoint to piano, reed, and very best. members play either the 15-string These four recordings just scratch who lived on the Scottish island Life of Little Johnny England) Recorded over a couple of days hand-drum as if hidden within tidal or concert kantele (an autoharp-like — Paul E. Comeau the surface of Finnish traditional of Mingulay going, and they are Talking Elephant TECD142 (2009), 2-CD Billy “The Kid” in June 2008 using the New York waves — recapitulates a transmigra- (Comeauville, NS, Canada) instrument) and sing. On this, the music and reflect the diversity of tion of souls seemingly in perpetual what form the ideas upon which In recent years, only a few British Emerson City jazz club the Blue Note as group’s third recording, the music what can be found. These should The Sun Years, plus and syncopated motion between old Gaelic singer and clarsach player groups arose to take up the folk studio, Across the Divide is issued Halogeeni is mostly original, but tradition- be of interest to anyone who likes Maggie MacInnes bases the music Bear Family BCD 16937 AH (2009) on the club’s newly launched Half and new worlds. based, with quiet, moody instru- rock standard planted by Fairport Alehinin puolustus Nordic music and would be good she’s chosen for this album. There Billy Emerson is the real deal. An Note record label. Bay Area-based — Mitch Ritter (Portland, OR) mental pieces mixed with lush vocal Convention and Steeleye Span self-released PELI-006 (2009) places to start for anyone who wishes is family connection for MacInnes, early pioneer of rock ’n’ roll and Afro-Cuban pianist, composer, and tracks. The group makes the best use years ago. Upstarts that they may to explore the music further. too: Although Mingulay is now R&B in the 50s, Billy “The Kid” arranger Omar Sosa adds former of the kantele’s limited tonal range be, Little Johnny England has been Naomi Sommers Brelo — Jim Lee (Simi Valley, CA) uninhabited, her great-grandparents Emerson played keyboards like a Cordelia’s Dad folk-punk pioneer by the use of strong melodies and plying its trade for a decade now, Gentle as the Sun Uusikuu were from there, and the musician backwoods gospel preacher and Tim Eriksen to the quintet, which by the fact the recording is only 37 and Ten Years On celebrates that the American Melody AC-CD-5124 (2008) Ääniä AANIA-10 (2009) has always been drawn to thinking wrote some of the most jivin’ and is as carefully composed as this minutes long. It’s all quite lovely Various artists group has reached that landmark. about how people in such a remote badass tunes of the era: “Red Hot,” ethno-historical-literary-spiritual Phil Rosenthal Trepaanit and makes for a relaxing listen. It’s Ain’t Over! 55 Years of Blues The set is divided into two themati- Trepanation Delmark DVD 1800 (2009) community sustained themselves. cally distinct discs, the relatively “Every Woman I know (Crazy ’Bout suite inspired by the African-Amer- A Treasury of Bluegrass and Ääniä AANIA-11 (2009) If the previous two recordings were (Mingulay is 12 miles off the coast sedate “Dinner Party” and the much Automobiles),” “When It Rains It ican Middle Passage of the slave Country Songs examples of the bright, happy side Various artists of the island of Barra, in Scotland’s more raucous “Driving Music.” Pours,” and “I Never Get Enough,” trade is musically realized. Clearly American Melody AM-CD-5125 (2009) Polka Chicks of Finnish , Trepaanit It’s Ain’t Over! 55 Years of Blues Outer Hebrides, and the Hebrides The first disc includes such novel- with a long list of admirers ranging acknowledging the synchronicity The daughter of ex-Seldom Scene Polka Chicks is the dark side — the long nights Delmark DE 800 (2009) themselves are separated from the ties as LJE backing Show of Hands’ from Elvis Presley to Sam the Sham of the United States’ first child guitarist/lead singer Phil Rosenthal, Ääniä AANIA-12 (2009) and cold winters that recall ancient, Catch the biggest blues blow-out coast of mainland Scotland by 40 Steve Knightley on his spooky to to Ann-Margaret. This of African and American parents Naomi Sommers grew up singing These four new releases of Finnish timeless themes. The music is dark, in ages. Bob Koester’s Delmark miles of water). signature tune, “Widecombe Fair,” 33-track collection gathers together being inaugurated president when in the Sommers Rosenthal Family traditional music provide a glimpse heavy, and droning, but displays a Records is throwing a birthday and original bassist Miranda Sykes’ all of his Sun singles, including addressing this weighty (if alter- Band. Having made her recording of the range and diversity of Finnish strong hypnotic quality. The sound is party (you can bring 55 candles), version of the traditional “Blow the “Little Fine Healthy Thing,” “Satis- nately feathery) project in liner notes debut at the age of five on an album culture. Although very different in built on layers of accordion, harmo- and you don’t want to miss the Candle Out.” The second disc’s fied,” and “No Greater Love,” with dated November 2008, producer of bluegrass that her father recorded sound and style, each group shows nium, bouzouki, igil (a Tuvan string rowdy celebration. When Delmark novelties include a long, bluesy other singles and releases from his Jeff Levenson sees “two folkloric for kids, she’s gone on to sing and a willingness to explore and expand instrument), and Karelian bowed released Junior Wells’ Hoodoo Man cover of Lowell George’s “Dixie days with Chess, Vee-Jay, and MAD musicians, a Cuban pianist and a play flute, banjo, piano, and guitar on the idea of what traditional music lyre, with the vocals and throat Blues back in 1965, few thought the Chicken” and a very noisy interpre- (“I’ll Get You, Too,” “Believe Me,” New England multi-instrumentalist on more than a dozen of her father’s can sound like. singing of Eero Turkka riding on label would survive five months, tation of the traditional “If I Was a “Um Hum My Baby,” and “The specializing in in native and adopted albums. With her third solo outing, top. The music is mostly traditional, Halogeeni is a trio from the Kokkola let alone 55 years. Delmark keeps Young Man.” Pleasure Is All Mine”). American musics (who) could trace Gentle as the Sun, Sommers truly at times with bits of original-source region that plays a charming mix getting gold stars with blues purists Each disc also includes instrumen- A gifted songwriter and performer, the connections between seemingly comes into her own. It was recorded of original and traditional Finnish recordings added in. There are only from around the world, and the tals that are showcases for melo- Emerson met Ike Turner in Green- disparate worlds of thought.” in Nashville with Jim Rooney music. What it does is very simple, seven tracks, with a few of the label has plenty to brag about. Over deon player Gareth Turner and ville, Mississippi, after completing On “Gabriel’s Trumpet,” you (, Iris DeMent, Nanci with the harmonium of Anne-Mari songs clocking in at 8-10 minutes the years some of the biggest and fiddler Guy Fletcher. The bulk of a tour of duty with the Air Force. hear Eriksen’s scrappy banjo and Griffith, Bonnie Raitt) producing Hakamäki and mandolin of Matti in length, which makes for chal- baddest names in the blues busi- the material is by guitarist/vocalist Turner gave Emerson a job in his tremulous coastal-Maine chantey and top-notch session players, Hakamäki providing the rhythm, lenging (but ultimately rewarding) ness have signed with Koester: PJ Wright, who composed the touring band — Turner’s Kings vocal interwoven with the bluesy including (Dobro), Tim allowing Juha Virtanen’s accordion listening. Definitely one for late names like Magic Sam, Otis Rush, acerbic track that gave the group of Rhythm — and helped him get slide-guitar licks of David Gilmore. Crouch (mandolin, fiddle), and Pat to carry the lead melody lines. Both winter nights. Roosevelt Sykes, Lurie Bell, Eddie Slavin John its name, as well as co-writing “My signed to Sun Records in 1954. Oh, Musical paradigms are shifted even McInerney (drums, percussion). Matti and Anne-Mari sing lead, One wouldn’t expect to find a Shaw, Jimmy Johnson, Big Joe Maggie MacInnes - Heart’s Where My Home Used to and he got the nickname “The Kid” further as Sosa’s clavé-percussive Sommers’ pure-sounding soprano providing a nice male/female vocal Finnish group with the name the Williams, Robert Nighthawk, JB there is a new fairy to the island Be” with Turner. Wright’s fluid after playing a string of nightclubs piano rhythm and West African vocals and heartfelt songwriting

42 January/February ’10 #145 Dirty Linen 43 clearly mark it as the product of an an uptempo sound with aggressive engagement at the Café Central Mama Rosin the accompaniment of a Cajun band, own thumbprint with his rhythmic, artist on the ascend. bass, as on the opening track “Out in Madrid. The original material Brûule Lentement and “Move Your Popo” is zydeco rolling picking, and unaffected, The musical ties that Sommers of Mind” or the traditional “Welle bears such titles as “Hurricane’s Voodoo Rhythm VRCD55 (2009) performed by a gang of raucous lazy drawl vocals. A country blues shares with her father are strong. Waile (bone version).” There are Boogie,” “African Gospel,” and revelers. “Bon Temps Roulet No. primer of sorts. Rosenthal sings on two of her a couple of accordion-led instru- “Longhair’s Tribute.” At 13 minutes Mama Rosin 3,” the only familiar tune on the — Dan Willging (Denver, CO) songs, “Come Home” and “It’ll Be mental sets that, no doubt, go down in length, “Cromatic Boogie” is a Black Robert album, is given an unusual primal Alright,” while Sommers repays the well in a pub on Saturday night. tour de force performance. Several Gutfeeling GF020 funk treatment. Mama favor on her father’s latest explora- But what sets the Prodigals apart tracks reveal that Coloma is also Mama Rosin, a.k.a. les Frères Rosin is not for Cajun tion into American folk music, A from other bands of this type is the a subtle jazz pianist who doesn’t Souchet (although the members music purists, but Treasury of Bluegrass and Country songwriting. The best of the lot is limit himself exclusively to high- are not really brothers), is from the group’s fans are Songs, adding harmony to seven “Happy Man,” a joyful song about speed boogie. The two non-origi- Geneva, which undoubtedly helps unlikely to hold that tunes. On this release, Rosenthal life’s simple charms (a pint and a nals are also well worth a mention. liberate the trio from feeling the against them. continues the musicological foray girl — what more do you need?), Jack Fina’s “Bumble Boogie” is need to adhere too strictly to the — Paul E. Comeau into the roots of America’s music but there are others that show an eye a familiar tune that Coloma plays Cajun and zydeco conventions that (Comeauville, NS, that he began after leaving the for the telling detail (“Bunch of Red with amazing dexterity in spite of inspire them. Consequently, they Canada) Seldom Scene to launch his own Roses,” “Baggot Street Hotel”). its frantic pace. A bonus track of have no qualms about occasionally family-oriented record label, Amer- And what would a recording like Hoagy Carmichael’s “Georgia on delving into raw rock ’n’ roll next Steve ican Melody, in 1986. More expan- this be without a few songs about My Mind” serves as a beautiful to the more traditional Cajun and Howell sive than its title suggests, the CD drink? Here you have “The Quart coda to an impressive album. zydeco sounds on Brûule Lente- My Mind Gets to includes Stephen Foster’s “Some of Gin” and “The Morning After.” — Paul E. Comeau ment. “You Stole My Motorcycle,” Ramblin’ Tom & Barbara Brown - quay to the ditties Folks Do” and “Camptown Races,” Los Cenzontles - nothing beats melting tuna The Prodigals combine compelling (Comeauville. NS, Canada) for example, seems inspired by the Out of the Past TP0003 Septimus Winner’s “Listen to the . Though Hidalgo who’ve sung together since they vocals with great musicianship and Clash. “Dead Love Rag” is a cover (2008) first-rate songs. Play it loud. of a song by a blues-punk band from Mocking Bird,” James Bland’s is co-billed here, this isn’t the were teenagers. They perform in Various artists On this baker’s dozen tracks, East Jack Crawford Turin, Italy, called the Movie Star “Golden Slippers,” and traditional first collaboration between them. the once-popular dueto style, and it — Jim Lee (Simi Valley, CA) Panama! 2: Latin Sounds, Pride of the Season Junkies. There’s an almost spectral Texas bluesman Howell master- folksongs “Old Joe Clark” and “Sail Cenzontles director Eugene Rodri- would be difficult to imagine what Sumbia Tropical & Calypso Funk Wild Goose Studios WGS357CD (2008) sound to much of this album, and fully fingerpicks his way through Away Ladies.” This is no mere guez produced ’ Papa’s this group would sound like without Lluís Coloma on the Isthmus 1967-77 selections from such icons as history lesson, though. Echoing it occasionally imparts the music Martin & Shan Dream in 1994, which featured their haunting, often angelic harmo- Boogie Portraits Sound Way SNDWCD013P (2009) Muddy Waters, Memphis Minnie, the sounds of the mountains with with an eerie, netherworld quality. Graebe Los Cenzontles as the children’s nies. Though there are a number of Swing Alley/Fresh Sounds sa 012 (2008) The fact that Panama isn’t known and Mississippi Fred McDowell, his vocals and guitar, mandolin, Although the album’s title translates Dusty Diamonds choir. Los Cenzontles’ banda exemplary tracks, nothing beats to have played a key role in Central as well as lesser-known stylists mandola, banjo, and bass playing, roughly as “burning slowly,” this Wild Goose Studios WGS359CD (2008) (Mexican brass band) performed on the heavenly, heart-melting swoon Lluís Coloma Trio America’s musical legacy is prob- like Rev. Robert Wilkins, Armenter Rosenthal awakens the spirit that is Cajun-inflected music whose Los Lobos’ 2005‑06 Kiko and the of “Cien Años.” “Ojitos Negros” 7 Nights at Central ably due to its geo-political history “Bo Carter” Chatmon, and the Tom & Barbara allows this music to endure. In addi- energy often seems on the verge of Lavender Moon tour. Other guest is nearly as breathtaking, starting Swing Alley SA 017 (2009) rather than to lack of talent on the part mysterious Kid Bailey. With a few Brown tion to help from family members, burning out of control, and it’s all artists on this CD include Linda out a cappella and slowly building Boogie woogie shed its fad status of the population. Notwithstanding exceptions, like Waters’ “I Can’t Beyond the Quay including wife Beth Sommers the better for it. Ronstadt, who duets with Hidalgo intensity through Hidalgo’s droning decades ago, but anyone looking for a few important names, such as Be Satisfied,” his first hit on the Wild Goose Studios WGS358CD (2008) (bass, vocals), son Daniel (trumpet, “Quinze jours passés,” the on the “El Chubasco,” keyboard effects. Los Cenzontles proof that the genre is still alive and Ruben Blades and El General, the Chicago-based Chess label in 1948, vocals), and daughter Naomi, opening track on Black Robert, The performers featured on these and Jefferson Airplane/Hot Tuna instrumentalist Hugo Arroyo proves well just needs to check out a couple country’s musical output has been most of this material was originally Rosenthal is aided by a variety of the group’s third CD, sounds like releases were all young when the keyboardist on the he’s a sturdy vocalist, letting it rip of recent albums by Spanish pianist mostly hidden, or at least it was recorded by Mississippi/Arkansas/ great instrumentalists. Stacy Phil- a field recording of Cajun musi- folk boom was upon us, but all have rollicking instrumental “River on the joyful cumbia “Volando en Lluís Coloma, one of the genre’s until Soundway came out with the Memphis bluesmen in the late 20s to lips (Dobro) and Bruce Stockwell cians jamming with a lost tribe in had other careers and demands on Road, Part One” and the tragic los Cafetales,” a fun little folk tune best practitioners. Boogie Portraits, precursor to this album. While the mid 30s. On the majority of tracks, (banjo) are featured on the tradi- Africa. The next few tracks are their time that haven’t left much ballad “La Tragedia de Rosita.” about various birds. which is presented in a deluxe digi- extensive booklet notes do a good Howell plays an acoustic flattop tional tune, “All the Good Times,” more conventional but obviously time for performing until recently. As expected, the proceedings are — Dan Willging (Denver, CO) pack, is an album of piano duets job of explaining how some of these guitar and has an articulate delivery. while Rushad Eggleston’s cello still not too beholden to the Cajun Now they are making up for lost time fairly diverse. Hidalgo is heard on recorded live, with Coloma’s very rare tracks were innovative, provides depth to “Listen to the tradition. “Les Cuisines de l’Enfer” On others, he alternates between an with these commendable releases for drummer Marc Ruiz joining in on that quality isn’t always immedi- Mocking Bird.” Rosenthal adds to every track, either on his signature, Prodigals sounds like a chain gang singing to archtop (no fret hole) for a warm, a label that has become possibly the five of the tracks. Five of the musi- ately apparent, although the quality the folksong canon with two orig- fuzzed-out electric guitar for the Whiskey Asylum: Select cozy sound and a steel champion of recording traditional cians are American, namely Carl of the music is never in question. inal instrumentals (“Banjo in C” more contemporary rock-oriented Prodigals Tracks 1999-2009 resophonic guitar for English music. Sonny Leyland (“CC Rider”), Bob and “Chord Song”) and a reworking jams (representing the Chicano Grab Entertainment GECD 1108 (2009) Some of the tracks are multi-genre those tunes involving Jack Crawford’s Pride of the Season Seeley (“Swanee River Boogie”), of his Seldom Scene-recorded song rock side of Mexican culture) or The latest release from New York- mash-ups that stand out from the rest: a slide. Among the is perhaps the most traditional of Mark “Mr B” Braun, Mitch Woods, “Muddy Water.” on steel-stringed acoustic guitar based band the Prodigals is a collec- Los Superiores’ “Descarga Supe- pals joining him are these titles in tone, if only because and Barrelhouse Chuck. Woods and for the trad tunes. “Creí” starts tion of select tracks from recordings rior,” the Duncan Brothers’ funky Joe Osborn, arguably he’s a solo singer. Minimal backing — Craig Harris (Chicopee, MA) Chuck supply two of only three out instrumentally like a 50s prom done over the last 10 years, with “Dreams,” the Soul Fantastics’ raw the most recorded is provided on about half of the reminiscence and slowly morphs five new recordings/re-recordings. vocal tracks, the other provided cover of “Ain’t No Sunshine,” the rock bassist ever, tracks, and only hard-core listeners Los Cenzontles into something jazzier between It’s less of a “greatest hits” package by a 26-year-old French pianist amazing female singers and driving and guitarist Buddy will know many of the songs chosen. with David Hidalgo Hidalgo and vibraphonist Ruben than a collection of favorite/stron- named Julien Brunetaud. The other rhythms on Alfredo Y Su Salsa Flett, who assists in a For instance, Crawford covers Nic Songs of Wood & Steel Estrada. Though Los Cenzontles gest songs, most of which participants include three Spanish Montanera’s “La Escoba,” and Sir kicking duet of Robert Jones’ brilliantly reconstructed Los Cenzontles Mexican Arts Center holds its own with its guests, its still plays today. The main focus pianists (August Tharrats, David Jablonsky’s brand of calypso on Johnson’s “Steady “Annan Water” and does quite a nice LC CD 015 (2008) strength lies in its interpretation is lead singer/accordionist/song- Giorcelli, and a young prodigy “Juck Juck Pt. 1.” With the help of Rollin’ Man.” Howell job with it, but the same singer’s Located in the Bay Area commu- of trad material (rancheros, sons, writer Gregory Grene. His voice by the name of Bernard Font). the Duncan Brothers, Lord Cobra’s takes great delight in version of “The Ploughman’s Love” nity of San Pablo, , Los boleros, corridos, canciones) and is reminiscent of Christy Moore, The other two players are Frank “Love Letters” sounds like a cross enlightening those started Crawford on a long search Cenzontles Mexican Arts Center the melding of modern instrumen- and his songs invoke both the Muschalle from Germany and between calypso and American pop- curious about the for the fuller version provided here. was formed in 1989 as a cultural tation with the traditional vihuela homeland of Ireland and living in Philippe Lejeune from France. soul. The album testifies to the fact tunes and the musi- Resisting the temptation to over- vehicle for keeping traditional (five-string mini-guitar), guitarrón, the new homeland of New York. One surprising track that Coloma that the heterogeneous workforce cians who recorded production, label chief Doug Bailey Mexican culture alive among its jarana (eight-string guitar), requinto Despite the various musicians that and Tharrats have molded to the that went to Panama to build the ’em by including has organized accompaniment that youth. Over the years, its seeds (four-string guitar), huapanguera, comprised the band over the 10 genre with surprising success is canal turned the country into a sort of informative, concise brings out the best both from Craw- have sown riches, one of which is and quijada (jawbone). years (the current version is bass/ “Just a Closer Walk With Thee.” cultural crossroads, one that is slowly liner notes. Though ford and his material. the touring group Los Cenzontles. It At the group’s heart and soul are drums/electric guitar/accordion/ 7 Nights at Central presents 12 but surely being recognized as such. he honors tradition As its title suggests, Dusty has recorded several CDs and along vocalists Fabiola Trujillo and banjo), the sound is fairly uniform tracks that the Lluís Coloma Trio — Paul E. Comeau and carries it on, at the Diamonds presents songs (or at the way has befriended Los Lobos’ Lucina Rodriguez, young women from track to track. The band has recorded during a seven-day (Comeauville, NS, Canada) Mama Rosin - hold the motorcycle same time he adds his least variants) that have not been

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